Tangy Green Chicken Gyros Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic

Mediterranean summers burst with zesty green chicken gyros that dance between vibrant herbs and tender meat.

Fragrant garlic and fresh cilantro create a marinade that whispers secrets of authentic flavor.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb every nuanced spice, promising a meal that transports you straight to coastal Greece.

Crisp pita wraps become vessels of culinary adventure, waiting to embrace each juicy morsel.

Bright lemon notes weave through the marinade, adding a tangy brightness that awakens your palate.

Soft, warm flatbreads cradle this delectable mixture, ready to become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

Let’s unpack this delicious journey and transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean haven.

Common Questions About Green Chicken Gyros

• What are the key ingredients in the marinade?

The marinade includes olive oil, Greek yogurt, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, which help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has no pink color in the center. Cooking 6-7 minutes per side ensures thorough cooking.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs or even lamb for a traditional Greek-style gyro variation.

What Makes Green Chicken Gyros a Crowd Favorite

• Quick Marinate & Grill: Dive into a simple marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed delight, ready to hit the grill in minutes.
• Customize Your Bite: Personalize each gyro with fresh cucumber, crisp red onion, and creamy tzatziki, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate a beloved Greek street food classic without complicated techniques, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or a fun weekend lunch that satisfies both adults and kids with its delicious and approachable ingredients.

Ingredients for Green Chicken Gyros

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of the gyros.
• Pita Bread: Soft, round flatbread that wraps and holds the gyros ingredients together.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce that adds a cool and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Greek Yogurt, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful blend that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with Mediterranean herbs and spices.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that provide a fresh, crunchy texture and add brightness to the gyros.

How to Prepare Green Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Create Flavorful Marinade

Mix all marinade ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. The combination of olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper will infuse the chicken with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Marinade

Place chicken breasts into the marinade bowl. Gently massage the mixture into the chicken, ensuring every surface gets an even, thorough coating. Let the chicken sit and absorb the flavors for at least 15-30 minutes.

Step 3: Grill Chicken to Perfection

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Transfer marinated chicken to the hot pan. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the chicken is completely cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Slice the chicken into thin, diagonal strips for easy gyro assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Gyros

• Sliced grilled chicken
• Chopped cucumber
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Generous dollop of tzatziki sauce

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Fold the pita bread around the fillings, creating a handheld Mediterranean delight. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and enjoy the burst of fresh, zesty flavors.

Pro Tips for Green Chicken Gyros

• Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking throughout the gyro.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior texture.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier bite in the gyro.
• Warm pita bread slightly before assembling to enhance overall eating experience and soften bread.

Flavor Variations of Green Chicken Gyros

• Mediterranean Lamb Gyros: Swap chicken with marinated, thinly sliced lamb for a rich, robust flavor profile that captures traditional Greek street food essence.
• Vegetarian Falafel Gyros: Replace chicken with crispy, herb-packed falafel patties made from chickpeas, offering a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Gyros: Blend sriracha sauce into the marinade for a fiery kick, adding extra heat and tangy complexity to the classic recipe.
• Greek-Mexican Fusion Gyros: Incorporate grilled corn, black beans, and salsa into the gyro for a cross-cultural culinary experience with vibrant southwestern notes.

Pairing Suggestions for Green Chicken Gyros

• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko wine from Santorini that cuts through the rich chicken and complements the tangy tzatziki sauce.
• Complement with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light horiatiki salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives to balance the gyros' robust flavors and add refreshing texture.
• Match with Herbal Mint Lemonade: Brew a cold mint lemonade that echoes the oregano in the marinade and provides a cooling contrast to the grilled chicken's warmth.
• Select Creamy Cucumber Side Dip: Prepare a cool cucumber-dill dip that enhances the gyros' Greek profile and provides an extra layer of creamy, herbal freshness.

Proper Storage for Green Chicken Gyros

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep tzatziki and veggies separate to maintain crispness.
• Wrap sliced chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken slices on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken in non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or olive oil to keep meat moist. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Green Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22-24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired green chicken gyros bring Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with zesty herb-marinated chicken nestled in warm pita. Crisp vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce complete this delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Marinade:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Accompaniments:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 4 pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce for serving

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the aromatic mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375-400°F for optimal searing and even cooking.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken onto the hot surface, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
5. Transfer chicken from pan and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and maintain tender texture.
6. Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips, creating ideal portions for gyro assembly.
7. Warm pita bread briefly to enhance flexibility and texture.
8. Layer sliced chicken onto pita, strategically placing crisp cucumber rounds and thinly sliced red onion for fresh crunch.
9. Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients, ensuring balanced flavor distribution.
10. Fold pita edges inward, creating a compact wrap that secures all ingredients.
11. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and fresh, presenting a delectable Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for extra tenderness by letting it sit in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking, enhancing flavor penetration.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional pita bread with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps to maintain the dish’s authentic taste.
• Experiment with herb variations like fresh mint or dill in the marinade to add unexpected depth and brightness to the classic Greek flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg